End of the Rocky Mountain News

This has been a very sad day in our house. Today, the Rocky Mountain News published its last edition, just months shy of 150 years.

My husband, Robert Denerstein, worked there for 31 years, 27 as Movie Critic. He accepted a buyout several years ago, but still reviews movies at www.rockymountainmovies.com. His eulogy to the paper appears on his blog today. It's the most moving article you'll read on the subject, and certainly better than anything I'd write. Click here to read it.

Copyright Law for Visual Artists

In answer to a number of comments and questions I've received concerning the use of photos by artists, I've discovered a number of links with more authoritative answers than I can give. I have no legal expertise in these matters except for that based on my personal experience, and nothing I write should be taken as legal advice.

Every visual artist needs to have familiarity with copyright law.

For an understandable overview of the issues involved, read Thomas G. Field Jr. at the Franklin Pierce Law School in New Hampshire. This Law School seems to take a special interest in the study of intellectual property issues.

For incite into what constitutes "Fair Use" of images, I found an interesting list of four points to consider in the Stanford Law School Library.

An extensive list of copyright resources for visual artists has been prepared by Sandra L. Brown, MFA, MSLS, a teacher in the Art Department of the Southwest Baptist University.

I'm sure there are many other, perhaps even better resources to check, but this is a start.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Photos from News Sources for Making Art

Frequently, the subject comes up in art classes: creating paintings by using photos from magazines and newspapers.

 I discuss my preference for using one's own photos, or transforming the source until it is unrecognizable,  a jumping off point for creativity. Yes, I know about Photo-realism and Appropriationism. Both entail philosophical differences from the usage I'm discussing. The direct use of a news photo may violate a copyright.

Please check out a current case in an article from the New York Times, "Artist Sues The A.P. Over Obama Image". This preemptive case brought by artist Shepard Fairey against the Associated Press should be worth following.

"Red Flower Oil"

A Tai Chi teacher suggested Red Flower oil for various muscle aches and pains. I'm not sure how effective the treatment was, but the trip to the west side to get it led to an interesting multicultural bargain shopping experience, and the packaging was beautiful.